Design of a Cursor Control Device for the Orion Crew Exploration Vehicle

Abstract

NASA has embarked on a new program to develop vehicles for returning humans to the Moon by 2020. The Orion Crew Exploration Vehicle (CEV) will replace the Space Shuttle and serve as the primary vehicle for transporting the crew. Orion will be equipped with a modern “glass cockpit” that will allow operators to command and control all of the vehicle's systems from one of two operator stations. The design of Orion's operator stations creates some unique human-machine interface issues due primarily to the vehicle design and the extreme conditions the crew must operate in. One of the unique challenges for Orion is the need for a novel cursor control device that allows the crew to interact with the vehicle while seated and restrained. This paper describes some of the human factors challenges of designing such a device as well as the process that was employed.